Alchemist Accelerator2027 deadline, funding, equity and how to apply
Accelerator for startups selling to enterprises (B2B only). Writes $60K to $1M checks on a rolling basis and runs two Investor Showcases a year.
- Up to $60K
- Funding
- Not published
- Equity
- Ongoing support
- Program length
- Rolling
- Applications
About Alchemist Accelerator
Alchemist is a venture fund and accelerator for enterprise startups, based in San Francisco. It has made more than 750 investments since 2012. For most of its history it ran a six month class with a Demo Day at the end. That model has changed. Alchemist now says support no longer ends with a six month program and a demo day. Instead, founders get ongoing help that is most hands on in the first year, plus two Investor Showcases a year in Silicon Valley. Check sizes range from $60,000 to $1M depending on the company and the program. Regional partner programs run on a set calendar. Alchemist Chicago writes $50K on a SAFE, and Alchemist Japan invests up to $100K with three months in Tokyo followed by six months in San Francisco. The focus is narrow. Alchemist backs deeply technical founders, such as researchers, engineers and domain experts, who sell to enterprises. It is sector agnostic within B2B and accepts hardware and software models. Its best known portfolio companies include LaunchDarkly, which became a unicorn, Rigetti Computing, which went public, MoEngage, which reached Series F, and MightyHive, which was acquired. Founders from more than 60 countries have gone through the program.
What Alchemist Accelerator looks for
Alchemist says it backs deeply technical builders, such as researchers, engineers and domain experts, with real differentiation. Customers should be enterprises, where the sale is complex and needs a method. Founders should be ready to sell now and want support beyond the check. Companies are pre-seed or seed stage, B2B, in any sector, with hardware or software models. Solo founders are accepted but face a higher bar, and most companies start with two or three cofounders. Founders from any country can apply.
How the Alchemist Accelerator program works
Alchemist no longer runs one fixed class for its core program. Founders can build from anywhere. Those based in Silicon Valley can get a desk in the San Francisco office for six months, and international founders can attend US Landing sessions in San Francisco or online. Support centers on enterprise sales: finding the first buyers, structuring pilots and building a repeatable sales method. Alchemist assigns part of its own equity to partners and mentors, so there are no advisor shares to negotiate. Two Investor Showcases a year in Silicon Valley replace the old single Demo Day. Regional programs differ. Alchemist Chicago and Alchemist Japan run on calendars with a start date and a showcase. Japan includes three months in Tokyo and six months in San Francisco.
How to apply to Alchemist Accelerator
- 1Fill in the founder form linked from alchemist.vc/apply. It goes straight to the investment team and no warm introduction is needed.
- 2Describe your technical edge, your enterprise customer, and any pilots, letters of intent or revenue.
- 3If you want a regional program such as Chicago, Doha or Japan, request it on the form.
- 4If there is a fit, expect follow up conversations with the investment team before an offer.
Startup perks after acceptance
Accelerator startups qualify for most startup credit programs. These are the ones founders claim first.
Notable Alchemist Accelerator alumni
Companies that went through or were backed by Alchemist Accelerator.
Alchemist Accelerator vs similar accelerators
| Program | Funding | Equity | Location | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alchemist Accelerator | Up to $60K | Not published | San Francisco, CA | Rolling admissions |
| PearX | Up to $2M | Pear targets about 7% own… | San Francisco Bay Area | Rolling admissions |
| a16z speedrun | Up to $1M | 10% for $500K | San Francisco, CA | November 1, 2026 (5 days left) |
| Village Global | Up to $1M | Not published | San Francisco, CA | Rolling admissions |
| Sequoia Arc | Up to $1M | Negotiated per company | In person | Next deadline not announced yet |
| South Park Commons Founder Fellowship | $1M | 7% for the $400K upfront | San Francisco, New York City or Bangalore | Next deadline not announced yet |
Alchemist Accelerator FAQ
When is the Alchemist Accelerator application deadline?+
Alchemist Accelerator reviews applications on a rolling basis, so you can apply at any time.
How much does Alchemist Accelerator invest?+
Alchemist's official site lists check sizes from $60,000 to $1M depending on the company and the program. Alchemist Chicago invests $50K on a SAFE, and Alchemist Japan invests up to $100K. Alchemist does not publish a standard equity percentage on its site, so the exact terms come with the offer.
Does Alchemist still have a Demo Day?+
Not in the old format. Alchemist says its support no longer ends with a six month program and a demo day. It now holds two Investor Showcases a year in Silicon Valley. The Chicago and Japan programs still run on a set calendar that includes a showcase.
What kind of startups does Alchemist accept?+
Alchemist backs pre-seed and seed B2B companies that sell to enterprises. It focuses on technical founders such as researchers, engineers and domain experts. It is sector agnostic and accepts both hardware and software. It is not built for consumer startups.
Is Alchemist Accelerator remote?+
Mostly yes. Alchemist says founders can build from anywhere. Silicon Valley founders can use a desk in the San Francisco office for six months, and international founders can join US Landing sessions in person or online. Alchemist Japan requires three months in Tokyo and six months in San Francisco.
Sources: alchemist.vc, alchemist.vc, alchemist.vc, alchemist.vc